Kiwanuka Arrives On Android Packing Many Polygons

Kiwanuka is a very distinctive game that garnered some attention on iOS, and now it's on Android too. This is a puzzle game of sorts that will remind gamers of a certain age of a little game called Lemmings. Of course, the graphics and gameplay are a bit more refined here, and the physics are the key to winning in Kiwanuka.

Your goal in each level of Kiwanuka is to save the people of the crystal realm, who have been encased in tiny crystal pyramids for some reason. To aid you in this quest you have a magical staff and what seems to an endless supply of willing volunteers. Most of your getting around is accomplished with the aid of human towers, which work surprisingly well.

To move, simply tap and drag the staff-bearer and everyone will follow. Drag off a ledge, and everyone will stick right with you. To create a tower of people, drag up until you've got the height you need. The tower can then be tipped over, and it stops whenever the end encounters something solid. From there, your entire party can cross the bridge created by the human tower. The controls seem a bit loose at first, but in time you figure out how to trigger each action.

This simple gameplay is surprisingly versatile and interesting. The levels are often not immediately clear, but playing around with some towers to see where you can get is part of the fun. If you hit one of the glowing sections, your tower evaporates and you have to create another one. It's game over if the staff-bearer hits one, but everyone else is apparently expendable.

The visual style of Kiwanuka is truly distinct. It's a low-poly game with lots of big triangles covering every surface, defining a clean, yet low-fi world. The tiny individual people are also made of the same big polygons with a rainbow of bright colors. The lightning leaping from the magic staff is uncharacteristically detailed for this game, but it's a neat look.

Kiwanuka isn't terribly long—about three hours of gameplay—but it's a great experience. The puzzles are challenging, but not overly easy. It actually reminds me a lot of Monument Valley in that respect. You can give this game a shot for $1.99.

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service

//Stay Connected

Get Product Reviews, Deals, & the Latest News from PCMag

sign up

Plus, get a free copy of PCMag for your iPhone or iPad today.

Offer valid for new PCMag app downloads only. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING!

Please follow this link (or search for the PC Magazine app on your iPad or iPhone) to get your free issue. Offer valid for new app downloads.